Dragon Eternal, page 11
“Something wrong?”
She stirred at Shaw’s words. Nia smiled as she shoved away the covers and rose. “I got lost in thought.”
His eyes darkened as his gaze ran over her nude body. She walked past him to her dressing robe. Nia purposefully turned herself to show her breasts while slowly drawing on the garment and belting it at her waist.
The desire that flared in Shaw’s eyes was just what she needed to see. She wasn’t sure what the emotion was that tightened her chest. A memory in the back of her mind suggested that it might be nervousness. But…surely, that couldn’t be right. Not since her first few times as a courtesan had she been anxious about someone wanting her.
“Nia?”
There was concern in Shaw’s eyes when she looked at him. She carefully schooled her features. What was wrong with her? She never let anyone see what she was thinking or feeling. Why had she let anything show with him?
But she knew—his magic.
Maybe being with him too long was having an effect on her. Perhaps she needed some time to herself to regroup and focus, to remind herself what was at stake.
“My apologies. I’m still waking up,” she lied.
She watched Shaw closely to see if he bought her lie. Deceits and falsehoods came easily to her, mostly because she didn’t care about the people she was sent to seduce. That wasn’t the case with Shaw. She didn’t like lying to him. Each time she did, the words stuck in her throat. The only reasoning behind it was his magic. Nia had never imagined enchantments would affect her in such a way.
“Shall I call one of your servants?” he asked.
Before Nia could answer, a knock sounded on the door. “Enter, Sadie,” she bade.
The door slowly cracked. Shaw rushed forward and opened it so Sadie could walk inside with a food tray. Another servant was behind her with a second meal for Shaw. The women placed the food on the table near the window.
Sadie remained and looked at Nia. “Will there be anything else, ma’am?”
“That’ll be all.” When she left, Nia found Shaw’s gaze on her. “Hungry?”
He walked to the trays and looked over the food. “I could eat.”
“I hope it isn’t too different from what you’re used to.”
Shaw smiled and shot her a wink. “My palate isna too picky.”
Nia poured herself some jasmine rose tea and offered some to Shaw. She expected him to refuse, so when he nodded in acceptance, a little thrill went through her.
“You look surprised,” he said.
She chuckled as she poured. “In my experience, men don’t like tea.”
“Where I’m from, everyone drinks it. I drink tea often. We have a variety of flavors.” He lifted the cup to his nose and sniffed. “I smell hints of rose.”
“It’s jasmine rose. My own special blend.”
He held her gaze as he brought the cup to his lips and took a sip. Delight spread over his face. “It’s light with just the right amount of flavor. The rose doesna overpower the jasmine or vice versa. Did you use green or black tea leaves?”
Once more he surprised her. “Green. You know your tea.”
“Like I said, it’s a staple where I’m from. Do you have other blends?”
“I do. I like to try different things.”
“Where do you get the leaves?”
She speared a bit of butter and spread it over her toast. “I bartered some of my roses for the plants. I grow my own tea plants.”
“Have you ever thought of selling your blends?”
Nia glanced outside. No one had ever asked about her tea before. Shaw’s interest seemed genuine, but she was too used to hiding things. In her experience, when people pried, it was because they wanted something.
“You should consider it,” he said as he set down the cup and reached for some food.
Nia wished she could tell him that it was her dream to get as far from Stonemore as possible and then set up somewhere where she could create and sell her teas. She wanted to fend for herself. She knew the ache of hunger, the fear of freezing to death. She never wanted to be in that position again.
“One day, maybe,” she whispered.
It was the first time she had given voice to her dreams. Even whispered, she feared they might be snatched from her.
Shaw swallowed his food. “You have a way with plants and tea blends. You could do verra well for yourself with both.”
She didn’t want wealth. She wanted to live somewhere that was hers, a place that no one could take from her. She wanted to surround herself with flowers. A simple life. That’s all she had ever wanted. The fine clothes, servants, and beautiful estate were nice, but they were all a reminder that she was beholden to someone.
And that individual could take her life in an instant.
“Can I see you later today?”
Nia’s head swung to Shaw. She had considered spending some time alone to get some distance from his magic, but she hadn’t planned to say anything until after they had eaten. It seemed he had beaten her to it. That stung a little.
A lot, actually.
She made sure her smile was cordial. “What time were you thinking?”
“We could meet for the noon meal.”
Nia was free, but she didn’t want it to appear as if she were too eager for him. Even though she was supposed to be spending all her time with him. “I’m otherwise engaged. How about after?”
He nodded once. “Shall I come to you?”
“I’ll find you.”
Chapter Sixteen
As he walked from Nia’s estate, Shaw looked up and caught a glimpse of the citadel. He could get up to the top level and confront the Divine, but that wasn’t his mission. That event would come, but it would likely be Brandr or Eurwen who faced Stonemore’s ruler.
Merrill had been trying to talk to him all morning, but Shaw hadn’t been able to hold a conversation with Nia and communicate with Merrill. Now that he was alone, he opened the mental link and said his friend’s name.
Merrill replied instantly. “About fucking time.”
The exasperation in his voice told Shaw that Merrill had something important to say. “What is it?”
“Are you still with Nia?”
“Nay. I’m returning to the lower levels. Though, I am tempted to have a chat with the Divine.”
“You and me both,” Merrill replied with a snort. “I updated those at Cairnkeep last night. As you can expect, their reactions ranged from shock to anger.”
“I’m no’ concerned for my safety.”
“Are you daft? Zora may look like Earth, but it isna anything like our realm. There are beings here we doona have. Need I remind you that there is an old woman here with enough power to pull a Dragon King from our world?”
The hairs on the back of Shaw’s neck stood on end. Someone was watching him. “Varek got out of that situation just fine.”
“He was lucky. We both know that. A lot was because of Jeyra. We had no idea where he had gone.”
Shaw slowed his steps until he stopped. He pretended he was looking at the horizon while trying to determine where the person was.
“Then there is this invisible antagonist that can kill dragons,” Merrill continued.
“It’s always possibile that we’ll encounter a being more powerful than us. That doesna stop me from doing what I do.”
There was a pause, then Merrill asked, “What’s happening?”
“Someone is watching me.”
“Can you locate them?”
“Aye.”
Merrill released a long sigh. “It’s from the citadel.”
“It is. Do you think whoever can sense magic knows when we’re communicating?”
“Anything is possible, but I doubt it.”
Shaw fought the need to turn toward the imposing structure where the Divine hid. The bastard wanted to play dirty, then Shaw was willing. “I need to know what the Divine wants with us.”
“What does anyone want with a Dragon King? They either want our help or to kill us. I think the Divine arse is leaning towards killing. Sorry bugger has no idea he can no’ do it.”
Shaw started walking again before he did something he’d later regret. “Everyone on this realm fears us, but no one knows anything about us. How can people hold such dread and contempt without knowing the cause?”
“It’s all they’ve been told, Shaw. They’ve never had a reason to learn.”
“Then perhaps we should show them.”
Merrill issued a long-suffering sigh. “That isna why we’re here.”
“Maybe no’, but I’m no’ letting my guard down. Did you find out what I asked about Nia?”
“I did,” Merrill answered hesitantly.
Shaw didn’t like that tone because it meant he wouldn’t like the news Merrill had. “Where are you?”
“I’m no’ sure we should meet.”
“Bloody hell. They already know we’re here. They know who we are. Why no’ meet?”
“Well, when you put it like that…”
Shaw glanced at the sky and fought the prick of anger. He shouldn’t take it out on Merrill since Shaw’s fury was directed at himself, Nia, and the Divine. “Where are you?”
“I’ll meet you at The Full Fiddler.” Merrill severed the link before Shaw could respond.
Shaw’s strides were long and purposeful as he made his way down to the gate that led to the lower levels. He didn’t look back again. By the time he reached the gate, he no longer felt that someone was watching him.
Shaw took in every detail around him. And every face. It irritated him that he had fallen so easily into Nia’s trap. When he found her, he’d believed her to be afraid of the priests. Now, he realized that it had just been a ploy to get his attention. Everything she had said and done had been to get him to fall in love.
It was a good thing that he didn’t allow himself such emotions.
When he entered the pub, he paused and looked to the bar area. Jane was pouring ale and gave him a nod. He returned it before looking around the establishment and spotting Merrill in the back. Shaw made his way to him.
“You look like you’re about to take someone’s head off,” Merrill stated as Shaw sat.
“I’m fine.”
Merrill snorted. “You’re a terrible liar.”
Shaw wasn’t fine. He was as far from fine as anyone could get. “Tell me about her.” He couldn’t even say Nia’s name. The anger inside that had begun when he found the note had continued to grow.
“Perhaps now isna a good time,” Merrill cautioned.
Shaw glared at him. “I need to know.”
Merrill blew out a breath and raked his hands through his blend of brown and blond hair. His dark blue eyes held Shaw’s as he shook his head. “She’s a courtesan. Tomar was the one who told me. No one else knew about that. They know her face and her name, but nothing else.”
“If a guard for the uppers knows what she is, that means her occupation is kept quiet so word doesna get out.” Shaw propped an elbow on the table and lowered his voice. “That tells me she’s special to the Divine.”
“My thoughts, as well. How did you meet her?”
“I thought it was purely by accident. I doona like being fooled.”
“We know now. That gives us the upper hand.”
Shaw fisted his hands. “We’ll never get what we came for, no’ now. We should leave.”
“So more of us can come and be put through this?” Merrill shook his head. “We stay. I have your back, and you have a way in. Use it.”
“I can no’. I’m too angry.”
Merrill’s brows drew together before his face smoothed out. “Why?”
“Why?” Shaw repeated. “Are you really asking me that?”
“What upsets you more, brother? That you like Nia, and she’s using you? Or that the Divine knows about us?”
Shaw stared at him, unable to decide on an answer.
Merrill flattened his lips. “That’s what I thought.”
“I had a nice time with her. I have a nice time with other women, too. But they doona use me.”
“That’s shite,” Merrill spat in an uncharacteristic show of anger. “Every time you sleep with a woman, you’re using her, and she’s using you. How is that any different than Nia? Unless you’re falling for her.”
“Doona be daft.” Shaw couldn’t believe Merrill would even suggest such a thing.
Merrill shrugged. “Why no’? I saw her. She’s stunning. Everyone watched her. Including the children. She commands attention.”
Shaw sat back. His temper was usually easy to keep in check, but he was having a difficult time containing it.
“Doona look at me like that. You know I’m right, or you wouldna have spent time with her.”
“So what if I was attracted to her? I know what lust is. That’s all it was.”
“Then why are you still angry?”
Shaw was going to punch Merrill. He looked down and saw he fisted his hands so tightly, his knuckles were white. Immediately, he flexed his fingers. Why was he so furious? Despite not wanting to hear it, Merrill was right. He had used Nia for sex, and she had been willing. It wasn’t as if they had sat down and spoken of a relationship. They had both stated what they wanted, and they had both gone into it with their eyes wide open.
Except she had an ulterior motive.
And that’s what infuriated him.
Shaw lifted his head to look at Merrill. “She used me for more than sex.”
“Aye,” Merrill replied in a soft voice. “And it appears she did it to gain her freedom.”
To his disgust, Shaw had forgotten that part. “She has a lot of freedom for a prisoner.”
“How do you know that? She told you she doesna control her money. I think it’s because she doesna have any. The Divine pays for everything she has. Her home, her clothes, her food.”
“Her servants,” Shaw added.
Merrill nodded and leaned both forearms on the table. “What would you do to gain your freedom if someone held you against your will?”
“Anything.”
“We both would. Anyone would.”
Shaw breathed deeply and slowly released it. “I blamed her for something that isna her fault.”
“That doesna matter now. Like I said, we have the upper hand.”
Shaw let his gaze move slowly around the pub. He recognized several from before. There were a couple of new faces, but no one seemed to be paying them any attention. “Someone can discern magic. That means we need to be careful.”
“Cullen and Tamlyn have already been warned. Let’s just hope that no children are set to be killed while we’re here. Cullen will have a hell of a time keeping Tamlyn out of the city.”
“He needs to tell us if that happens. We’ll rescue them.”
“For fuck’s sake,” Merrill whispered as he looked to the ceiling. “Are you trying to bring everyone’s attention to us?”
Shaw quirked a brow. “Do you really expect me to believe you’d allow bairns to die simply because they have magic?”
“Hell, no. I just wanted to give you a hard time.” Merrill flashed him a grin.
“I still might hit you.”
Merrill’s brows snapped together. “Still? When did you want to hit me?”
“This entire time.”
“I do have that effect on people.”
Shaw rolled his eyes. Then he grew serious. “Thank you for helping me see reason. I was too wrapped in my anger to do it.”
“You would’ve gotten there eventually.”
“I think you have more faith in me than I do.”
Merrill grinned. “Now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk about what we’re going to do next.”
“That’s simple. I’m going back to Nia.”
Chapter Seventeen
Somewhere on Zora
She hobbled over the rocky terrain, careful where she placed her cane so she didn’t lose her balance. The wind whipped around her, threatening to topple her down the steep incline. Then again, it was always trying to knock her down. One day, it would win.
But it wasn’t this day.
When she finally reached the top of the mountain, she paused and looked into the distance. Dark clouds approached, a stark contrast to the bright, clear skies around her. Lightning streaked in beautiful displays behind the clouds, and thunder rumbled menacingly, harkening the impending storm. A deep boom of thunder, even from the current distance, told her the storm would be fierce.
She had been through rougher storms and was still standing. She had prayed for death once. Begged for it. To no avail. This was her punishment, and she had no choice but to carry on.
Magic had pulled her from the warmth and safety of her home this day. She knew better than to ignore such an invitation. The realm pulsed with magic. It ran in the water, sprouted in the leaves of plants and trees, wove its way through the ground, and hung in the air. Zora had been created with magic, which meant that the supernatural was at its very core.
Ignorant, bigoted humans who couldn’t do magic themselves took it out on others who could. That had been the way for many, many generations. But things were changing. The storm that approached wasn’t just about the weather. It warned of something unfolding through the realm that couldn’t be stopped now. At the very center of everything was none other than the Dragon Kings.
She wondered if she had done the right thing by pulling that Dragon King from his world to Zora. He had found himself in a fine mess but had gotten out of it. Then, more Kings came. She had expected that, however.
Their arrival had shifted something on Zora. She wasn’t yet sure if it was fortuitous or not. She may never know—until it was too late. Not that she could reverse time and undo what she had already done. No, she had set things in motion. All she could do now was watch.
